Two Christians are understood to have been killed last week and three others at church services the previous Sunday in the central Kaduna state, according to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News sources.
A pastor and 30 congregation members were also kidnapped by militants.
Please pray for all those affected by these latest killings and that those who have been abducted would be released.
A group of armed Fulani herders attacked Kurmin-Kare village, a predominantly Christian community in Kachia County in southern Kaduna state last Thursday, killing two Christians identified as Audu Bala and Jonathan Moses, according to local resident Solomon Sanga.
He said the two men were working on their farms when the herdsmen shot them. ‘The two died instantly, while another Christian victim, Japheth Zarma Yakubu, was kidnapped on September 10 while he was working on his farm.’
The attackers have phoned Yakubu’s family with a ransom demand of 30 million naira (£13,500), he said.
On September 15 in Kajuru County, also in Kaduna, Fulani attacked an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation and another church as they worshipped in Bakinpah-Maro village, killing three Christians and abducting the ECWA pastor and 30 other Christians, locals reported.
‘The terrorists, whom we believe are armed Fulani herdsmen, attacked the churches during Sunday morning worship services, killing three Christians and kidnapping 30 more Christians, including Rev Bernard Gajere, the pastor of the ECWA church in the village,’ Cafra Caino said.
A week before this in predominantly Christian Kallah Afogo village, Kajuru County, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked a healthcare clinic, killing at least five Christians and kidnapping dozens of others, residents reported in text messages.
Hassan Mansur, spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed the attacks in the areas and said officers and other security agency personnel were attempting to rescue those abducted. Release International Nigerian partner Mark Lipdo (pictured) is currently in the UK speaking about the work of Stefanos Foundation and how it helps persecuted believers in the country. Mark will be at Smithton Church, Murray Road, Inverness tonight (Wednesday). This is a great opportunity to hear first-hand how your support makes a vital difference in the lives of persecuted believers in Nigeria. The event begins at 7.30pm. More details (including location map) here.
 Our latest Voice magazine includes an extended feature on the plight of Christians in Nigeria and how Stefanos is helping them practically and pastorally. The magazine is now available to read on our website.
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UPDATE
CHINA: Our partner ChinaAid reports that Chinese-American pastor David Lin has been freed after serving 18 years in prison for trying to build an independent church in Beijing. It said the Chinese Communist Party should never have jailed Lin, who was trapped by corrupted officials in a scam in which they falsely promised the construction of a church in the capital. He was charged with ‘business fraud’.
(Sources: ChinaAid; Christian Daily International-Morning Star News)
PRAYER- Pray that the bereaved families and friends of those killed would know God’s comfort and strength and that those who have been abducted would be released soon
- Ask God to convict of their sin those responsible for the killings and kidnappings and to turn to Christ for forgiveness
- Pray for an end to the violence against Christians that has ravaged northern and central Nigeria for two decades
- Thank God for the release of David Lin. Pray for God’s blessing as he adapts to life outside prison.
Please CLICK on the red button if you prayed.
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